Determining the best location for a new or expanding business in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace is challenging. These locations offer a number of advantages when it comes to meeting today’s logistics and supply chain needs.

Demand for industrial real estate near U.S. seaports is outpacing demand for industrial sites in general. Whether it actively buys and develops land or simply improves its own facilities to draw more interest, port authorities are crucial partners in regional economic development initiatives.

United States and Canada are investing $7 billion in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; Changing political relations between the United States and Cuba could signal new trade opportunities; UK faces a truck driver shortage among younger people; Panama approves new port development

As intermodal grows, so do its challenges. Increasing cargo volumes create bottlenecks and congestion; while the capacity shortage has everyone scrambling. How are shippers and service providers coping? This article helps solve the dilemma.

Jacksonville, Florida’s transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, and available land makes it an attractive site for businesses siting new locations for logistics services and manufacturing, writes Michael Breen of JAXUSA Partnership.

The Panama Canal expansion, to be completed in 2015, will impact global commerce and affect trade patterns to the U.S. East Coast. Ports such as PortMiami are preparing themselves to accept the new class of mega cargo ships, says Bill Johnson of PortMiami.

Nebraska offers numerous advantages to businesses that operate manufacturing and distribution facilities in the state, including affordable and competent labor, attractive and available land, reliable and low-cost utilities, and accessible and economically competitive transportation.

Missouri’s location at the Crossroads of America has been one of the state’s greatest assets, their integrated transportation system maximizes its geographic and natural resources, creating economic advantages for the state and working as a conduit between rural and urban areas.

Increasing demand for U.S. goods in Canada represents a positive sign for the economies of both countries. But keeping cross-border shipments moving requires building smart and savvy logistics partnerships.

Many state governments support transportation and logistics infrastructure development and legislation that facilitate business retention, investment, and expansion. Economic development efforts in Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin demonstrate a variety of approaches to supporting in-state businesses.

In the wake of a destructive tornado, the Joplin, Missouri, community banded together to provide healthcare services and begin rebuilding, writes Rob O'Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

A central location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, emerging trade connections with Asia and South America, and unified vision for economic development have made the bi-state metropolitan area around St. Louis a global intermodal crossroads.

Most ports today compete globally with one another and reflect tremendous productivity gains in ocean transport achieved in recent decades. Simon Kaye of Jaguar Freight offers tips on choosing a port with electronic and data processing sophistication.

Christopher Chung, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, describes how Missouri's efficient use of state resources results in efficient transportation that does not compromise safety or customer satisfaction.

Logistics leaders can make a difference when they actively collaborate with the government on regulatory issues, workforce training, and infrastructure development, writes John A. Evans, Evans Distribution Systems.